Work

Speed of technological transformations required in Europe to achieve different climate goals

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Europe's contribution to global warming will be determined by the cumulative emissions until climate neutrality is achieved. Here, we investigate alternative transition paths under different carbon budgets. We use PyPSA-Eur-Sec, an open model of the sector-coupled European energy system with high spatial and temporal resolution. All the paths entail similar technological transformations, but the timing of the scale-up of important technologies like electrolysis, carbon capture, and hydrogen network differs. Solar PV and onshore and offshore wind become the cornerstone of a net-zero energy system, enabling the decarbonization of other sectors via direct electrification (heat pumps and electric vehicles) or indirect electrification (using synthetic fuels). For a social cost of carbon (SCC) of 120€/tCO 2 , transition paths under 1.5 and 1.6°C budgets are, respectively, 8% and 1% more expensive than the 2°C budget because building assets earlier costs more. The 1.5°C budget is cost optimal if a SCC of at least 300€/tCO 2 is considered.

Source: Joule

DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2022.04.016

Authors: Marta Victoria, Elisabeth Zeyen, Tom Brown

Institutions: Aarhus University, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Technische Universität Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Integrated Energy Systems Optimization

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Helmholtz Association, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Horizon 2020